1/9/13

Banana Cream Pie (also Chunky Monkey and Peanut Butter Snickers Pie)

On a mission to fill my son's request for a banana cream pie, I was about to make one completely from scratch with homemade pudding, when I came across this recipe from my all time favorite Website: Our Best Bites

I did make a few changes to the recipe, only because I already had certain ingredients and didn't want to make a trip to the grocery store.

I have to say, this is one of the best versions I've had and have found it to be a keeper! (Being super easy doesn't hurt either!) This makes 2 pies. If you want an optional flavor for the second pie, I'll share a couple of options with you at the end of the post. ( I made the

Peanut Butter Snicker's Pie too!)

Banana Cream Pie

( Makes 2 pies)

Ingredients:
1 prepared pie crust (either regular, or graham cracker)

2-4 ripe bananas

1 pkg. (4-6 1/2 oz) Instant Vanilla Pudding

1 C. Cold Water

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated)

2 (8 oz.) containers Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream

Directions:

In mixing bowl, mix together: pudding, sweet condensed milk, and water. Put bowl in fridge for a minute or two.

While pudding is in fridge, slice bananas into bottom of prepared and cooled pie crusts.

Remove pudding from refrigerator and gently fold 1 (8 oz.) container of the whipped cream into the pudding mixture.

Pour half of the pudding mixture over each banana filled pie crust.

Top pie with remaining cool whip.

Cover and refrigerate till serving.

OPTIONAL FLAVORS:

Jan's tip: If you'd like to make one banana cream pie and then a second flavor for the other pie, before adding the whipped cream to the pudding mixture, pour half the pudding into a second mixing bowl. Then add half the cool whip in one bowl and proceed making the banana cream pie. Here's 2 options for the second pie:

1) Chunky Monkey (courtesy of Our Best Bites!)

Use an oreo crust

Stir in 1/4 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky) into the pudding mixture, then gently fold in the whipped cream.

Slice bananas into pie crust

Top bananas with peanut butter pudding mixture.

Top pie with remaining Whip Cream

Refrigerate till serving.

2) Peanut Butter Snickers Pie:

Use a regular or Oreo crust (I used regular because that's what I already had made)